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Concrete steps on a hillside leading upward, surrounded by dirt and small plants, with trees and a house in the background under a clear blue sky.

Seawall Project #1 - Wolf River

Along the Wolf River, we completed a shoreline restoration project that turned a failing seawall and an invasive plant–covered hillside into a healthier, more sustainable environment. The deteriorating seawall was removed and replaced with riprap, a carefully engineered rock placement specifically designed for shorelines. Unlike seawalls, riprap is more resilient to wave action and ice shove, while also creating excellent habitat for fish and aquatic life. This change not only strengthens the shoreline but also enhances the ecological value of the riverfront.

To further stabilize the hillside and replace invasive vegetation, we installed two native plantings behind the riprap. The deep root systems of native plants such as Prairie Dropseed, Side Oats Grama, and Spiderwort are powerful allies against soil erosion and surface water runoff. Together, the riprap and native plantings create a natural buffer that protects water quality, supports wildlife, and restores the beauty of this stretch of the Wolf River.

Close-up of tall, dry grass with seed heads in a natural setting, backlit by sunlight with blurred green foliage in the background.
A large, rounded cluster of native Wisconsin grass surrounded by some flowering plants and garden soil.
A close-up of a purple iris flower with a bee collecting nectar on its yellow stamens, set against a blurred green grassy background.

Do you have a seawall in need of replacement? You may be eligible for a grant to help transition to riprap and native plantings. Contact us today to schedule a free site visit and learn more about your shoreline restoration options!

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Scene of a hillside with green and yellow trees. In the foreground, there are construction materials including pipes, electrical boxes, and a small white shed. A sign reads "Mermaid Crossing" with an illustration of a mermaid.
An outdoor scene with trees showing autumn foliage, a concrete ledge or bench in the foreground, and a metal staircase on the right side leading up the hill. The trees have yellow, orange, and green leaves, and the sky is overcast.
A construction worker operating a small excavator on a hillside near a body of water, with a wooden dock and patio furniture in the foreground.
Constructed outdoor landscape with stone steps, retaining wall, and paved pathway next to a water body.
People planting young plants on a hillside, with a staircase on the right and rocks at the bottom, surrounded by trees.
People planting flowers in a garden along a river under a partly cloudy sky, with trees and boats on the river
A woman working on a landscaped hillside with stepping stone stairs on the left and a layered stone retaining wall at the bottom. The hill is covered with soil and small plants that are being planted, with gardening tools and plant trays scattered ar
People planting young plants along a sloped, landscaped riverbank with a dock and boats on the water, lush green trees, and a partly cloudy sky.
Photo of a terraced garden with small green plants, stone steps on the left, and a stone retaining wall at the bottom, surrounded by tall trees with a blue sky overhead.
A riverside scene showing a boat dock with a covered boat, water, and a dirt path with small plants and a solar-powered device.